Written by Emelia Gaines, Staff Writer
Learn of the types of pets students have and how their charmingly silly attitudes bring their owners comfort.
Pets are a huge part of students’ lives outside of school, providing relaxation, comfort, and emotional support. Animals have been proven to be helpful towards improving emotional clarity of their owners and those who interact with them, and the students of Poly express high levels of satisfaction with their pets’ effects on their mental well-being. Other than providing mental health benefits, they also double as a safe space and are often referred to as their owner’s best friends. When interviewing students of Poly high on their furry friends, all of them were delighted to share their stories.
During an interview with River Byrnes (11), they shared the story of their dog, Benny. Benny’s family also calls him other names such as Bennifer, Benjamin, Benny Boy, and Benner. He is a chihuahua greyhound mix with tons of personality packed into his tiny body. While he maintains a roaring personality, he holds onto some anxiety. In Rivers’ words, “Benny always looks scared. He’s just an anxious little dog, but he’s still loving, happy and healthy.” Despite his anxiety, he is an extremely playful dog, and “at any given moment he will spontaneously start running around all crazy.”
While interviewing Eris Estrella (10), she shared the many benefits Mavis has provided her during her time at Poly. Mavis is a tabby kitten that Eris took in for a couple weeks, and had to bottle feed until she could eat on her own. Along with every animal, she possesses some interesting quirks that define her personality. Eris expresses that she “is attached at [her] side always and follows [her] everywhere,” following up with how Mavis “cries for [her] every time [she has] to leave for school.” Eris explains that she helps calm her down and relax her whenever she is in need of a distraction.
Athena Berbano (11), was more than willing to share her pup, Smokey’s, story. Smokey Juniper Berbano is a pitbull lab that loves to sit in the yard and “bask in the sun”. He often acts like a cat, loafing and sleeping all day just like one, despite the fact that “he doesn’t like cats in the slightest”. Athena says when things are going hard, she just has to remember one thing: “I remember I have a dog, my Smokey, and even if he’s always sleepy he’ll still let me play with him or cuddle until I’m feeling better”. Smokey has acted as an emotional outlet for Berbano and cheers her up whenever she “feels like [she] has no one” and is needing comfort.
From these three interviewees, it is clear to see the importance of their pets to them. These companions provide an escape from any of their struggles in their lives. Even if they misbehave at times, they are and will forever be loved by their owners. Pets do a lot for us, whether we realize it or not, so be sure to thank your pet (if you have one) with plenty of love.